Georgia pet treats recalled for potential health risk

Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black is alerting Georgia’s consumers to the recall of particular packages of Bailey’s Choice dog treats. These products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and should be discarded.

Bailey’s Choice Dog Treats, LLC, of Waleska, Ga., is recalling packages of chicken treats in various sizes marked with lot number #132881 and expiration date Feb. 2014, along with five-ounce bags of chicken jerky with a lot number of “Jun 5 2013.”

Georgia Department of Agriculture inspectors are in the process of checking retail stores and warehouses to make sure the recalled products have been removed from sale.

In an email to Bailey’s Choice distributors, company owner Roger Thomas said, “We are working hard to find the problem and will correct it immediately to ensure safe products for both human and our four legged friends.”

Dogs that have become infected by consuming treats contaminated with Salmonella may experience fever, lethargy, diarrhea or mucus in stool, vomiting, dehydration, weight loss or rapid heart rate. Pets experiencing these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. This bacterial disease is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans.

Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea that may be bloody, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstance, infection can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses, such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis. The very young, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to foodborne illnesses. People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

To date, no illnesses have been reported.

Consumers who purchased these products for their pets should immediately discard the product. Bailey’s Choice Dog Treats LLC will provide a full refund and can be reached at 770-881-0526, thomdo4570@gmail.com or online at www.baileyschoicetreats.com .

To view a comprehensive list of food and feed recalls affecting Georgia, please visit www.agr.georgia.gov/recalls.aspx . If this recall expands or additional details become available, the website will provide the most up-to-date information.